Decision taken to shut down scandal-hit charity Console

A decision has been taken to shut down suicide prevention charity Console.

The closure process for the scandal-hit charity will be formally announced publicly as soon as it is agreed with another charity or charities relating to suicide prevention to take over the running of Console’s services, and the employment of its staff.

The Irish Times has learned a decision to wind down Console has been made and that, currently, officials are assessing the suitability of alternative charities to over its services and staff.

Console is due to run out of funds next week and it is expected to cease operations at that point.

Meanwhile, in a statement this afternoon, the Health Service Executive (HSE) said it intended to continue its funding of services that up to now had been provided by Console.

‘Very constructive meeting’

It said that "a very constructive meeting took place this morning" at the request of Minister for Health Simon Harris and involving Console interim chief executive David Hall, Charities Regulator John Farrelly, and representatives of the charities sector, the HSE and Department of Health officials.

“The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the ongoing issues regarding Console and how services currently being provided by Console and funded by the HSE can be continued.

"These services are the 24/7 Suicide Helpline, the Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service and the Suicide Bereavement Counselling Service, " it said.

“All parties at the meeting reiterated that the overriding priority is the continuation of services to clients who are currently availing of them.

“The HSE has been considering arrangements for a transition of the three services in the past number of weeks. A major part of today’s meeting was to discuss with David Hall a specific proposal for the continuation of the three services,” it said.

The discussions are continuing this afternoon.

Government and HSE sources have been stressing over recent days that Console was damaged beyond repair but insist its services must not be affected and that its helpline and other services will continue.

It is understood that Samaritans Ireland and Aware are among related charities which officials have in mind for ensuring Console services continue. The possibility of the HSE providing some of the services is also being explored.

Members of the Dáil Public Accounts Committee received the final report of the Console HSE audit on Wednesday night.

The committee is discussing its contents today and will decide who to invite to appear before it. The HSE has been asked to do so on Friday.

Formal investigation

The Revenue Commissioners are to begin a formal investigation into the charity, following closely on the criminal investigation opened by the Office of Director of Corporate Enforcement.

There is also concern within the HSE over the financial fallout from the scandal at Console, as it is likely the cost of running the charity’s two main activities, suicide helplines and counselling services, will rise if switched to another or other operators.

David Hall has identified a monthly €30,000 “hole” in the funding of Console’s services by the HSE. In addition, he has pointed to “legacy issues”, including a €19,000 unpaid phone bill and a €70,000 debt to the Revenue Commissioners.

Console was due to receive its next payment from the HSE of €70,000 on July 16th, as it did on the 16th of every month.